The Barn Owl (Tyto Alba)
The barn owl is quite common throughout the world and lives in areas where there are plenty of open fields, unused buildings or trees with large cavities. They are a most unique owl and do not look anything like other common owls. Their "heart" shaped face can scare an unsuspecting visitor to a barn, and the hissing and swaying of a brood of juveniles will definitely get your attention! They are tremendous mousers and an asset to our environment. The barn owls breed only when there is sufficient food source to care for their young - instinctive birth control!
This barn owl came to us from around Columbia, NC. It was sitting in someone's yard, unable to take off. It appeared to have a sprained wing, and after several weeks of physical therapy it was as good as new. We returned it to where it was found, and this owl knew exactly where it was as we approached the spot to place the kennel cab for opening.
